King County’s unincorporated communities will get assistance in keeping the Fourth of July holiday safe, with a $25,000 boost in sheriff funding for increased patrols.

County Councilmembers Joe McDermott, Larry Gossett and Reagan Dunn announced that funds for the King County Sheriff’s Office were prioritized in the county budget. These patrols will be on the lookout for illegal firework usage during the Fourth of July holiday.

“With growing concerns over public safety, these funds for the sheriff are intended to ensure a safe Fourth of July celebration for everyone,” McDermott said.

“It is important that residents of our unincorporated areas can celebrate our Independence Day, but do it in a safe and legal manner,” Gossett said. “These increased patrols will go a long way to ensure that.”

A total of $25,000 was prioritized to cover 300 hours of extra emphasis, which will be split among three sheriff precincts – Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest King County.

“The additional funding that we received from the King County Council is being used to proactively respond to illegal firework calls,” said Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht. “We want everyone to have a safe Fourth of July.”

In unincorporated King County fireworks may only be discharged on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight. Residents are encouraged to act responsibly when using fireworks. Examples of legal fireworks include cone fountains, smoke devices, mines/shells/cakes, wheels, parachutes, roman candles, ground spinners, cylindrical fountains, sparklers, and poppers.

Ban in Kent

Fireworks are illegal within Kent city limits.

It is unlawful for any person to discharge or possess fireworks of any kind within the city. According to city code:

• Discharging fireworks at any time is illegal, and subject to a $250 ticket and the seizure of your fireworks

• Discharge of fireworks in a reckless manner or possession of more than 20 pounds is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine

• The only exception to this ban are public displays that have complied with the appropriate permitting process through the city

Currently, the only permitted public display is at the Splash event at Lake Meridian Park on July 4.

There are a number of free firework shows around King County. The cities of Auburn, Bellevue, Carnation, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Mountlake Terrace, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, and Tukwila are hosting public fireworks displays on July 4. See each city’s website or social media for more information.

For more information about how to use fireworks safely and legally, go to kingcounty.gov.